Focused on the Long Term 

As one of the last privately held, family-owned exhibit partners of our size, Derse approaches the exhibits and events industry with a long-term perspective, investing in the people and ideas that will help shape our profession’s future. Over time, those investments create opportunities to learn, develop talent, and build relationships that last. 

HCEA has played a central role in my professional growth and helped me understand the impact of sustained commitment. HCEA’s long history reflects that same dedication. Founded in 1930, HCEA is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to the people who shape healthcare exhibits and events. It brings together corporate exhibit managers, marketers, associations, and industry partners to educate, advocate, and inspire—so that every healthcare event makes a difference. 

Since my first meeting in 1992, HCEA has introduced me to people who have shaped my career, challenged me to grow, and launched relationships that have lasted decades. From meetups at major conventions to our annual summer meeting, HCEA creates opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships, and learn from one another.

A New Chapter in Advancing HCEA’s Mission

As I begin a two-year term as HCEA president, I’m thankful for the dedication and passion shared by our members. We have ambitious goals, and our collective commitment gives us the opportunity to create lasting change, knowing the work we do today will benefit our industry for years to come.  

Joining HCEA means joining a movement, with every member able to help shape its direction. Meaningful participation takes time and effort, but the value is reciprocal: the more we contribute, the more we all gain. Working alongside our remarkable team of volunteers, I want to continue to broaden our community by welcoming even more people, perspectives, and expertise into the conversation.

Building a Stronger Industry Together

In healthcare marketing, what’s next won’t wait. Rising costs, consolidation, globalization, and increasingly complex science are reshaping professional healthcare engagement. Designing and building for that future takes grit, innovation, and a commitment to keep learning. 

It all begins with great minds coming together. HCEA helps us challenge assumptions, share expertise, and bring fresh thinking to the questions we ask and the experiences we create. Investing in our community makes us stronger partners to the healthcare organizations and professionals we serve. Above all, our profession’s future is stronger when more voices help shape it. 

So here is my challenge to fellow industry suppliers, including our competitors, corporate healthcare marketers, and associations: help build the industry you want to be part of. 

Join HCEA. Bring a colleague to a meetup. Volunteer. Become a sponsor. Share a hard-earned lesson. If a perspective is missing, help us bring it to attention. Connect with us, and let’s put your ideas to work.